StrikeMaster Strike-Lite 4-Stroke Auger

[waxworm]

I've finally had it with hand drilling holes and promised myself that this winter I would get a power auger. I've leaned more toward the StrikeMaster brand over the Jiffy for weight reasons, but now I need to know if there's anyone out there who has had the chance to use their new 4-stroke. The benefits of it seem great, but since it's the first of it's kind, I'm hesitant to buy one so soon because of potential flaws... also its hefty price tag. If anyone has experience with this new auger I would appreciate it.

[Corey Bechtold]

Welcome to FM waxworm! I used one last year a few times and thought it was a very nice machine. It was easy to start, idled great and cut holes with ease. I don't know what they are priced at but the Lazer augers are still great as well. I am currently running an old Mag III (8 years old)that I upgraded my blade to the Lazer blade. That thing has taken a beating and is still kicking Ice!!!

Hanson also has auged plenty of holes with the 4-stroke Strikemaster and he loves it. He said it re-opens holds real well unlike other augers. If you are going to be using it in a permanent fish house that that is another plus.

Either way, I love my Strikemaster! They also have incredible customer service with fast and friendly service.

Hopefully this helps a bit and if you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask.

Good luck,

Corey Bechtold

[BucketButt]

I'm new on here but have been reading it for a long time. Me and my buddy both have the Jiffy 3hp. He also bought the 4 stroke last winter, but he has had a problem with it leaking oil. I would like to hear if anyone has had any problems with this machine, he is wondering if he got a bad one or if this a common thing.

As far as getting a new one I am giving a real hard look to the 442. It looks like the machine to have for most of the time. I still don't want to give up my 3 horse because it'll cut holes faster than you can say WOW!!!

I use it here when it's too much for my hand auger, but I love it at Waubay, we rarely see more than 12" of ice around here in Omaha. Anyway I just wanted to share my experience with you that a good 2HP will do you good for almost any ice you come up against.

Thanks for this great forum that lets me read about my favorite fishing year round.

[Matt Johnson]

Strikemaster makes a nice auger, whether you go with the LazerMag Express, 224, StrikeLite, etc, you're going to get your money's worth. I've run a 2hp LazerMag Express 8-inch for almost 8 years now and it still makes short work of thick ice.

I've also run the Nils Master, which cuts through the ice like butter and is very lightweight. Also doesn't require much effort when drilling a hole.

I've used the StrikeLite from Strikemaster and I would have to rank it among my top choices for current ice augers. Very lightweight and cuts through the ice pretty quick. Also plays well with gas and the amount of smoke that is released is very low. The shaft is also much more durable than you would think (not being metal and all). It can withstand some abuse.

Eskimo also makes a nice auger, but are harder to come by.

A lot of nice augers out there to choose from...

[HarryG]

If price is even a small concern, I would go with the Lazer mag or mag 2000. The others seem like good augers, but is the xtra $100 or $200 worth a few seconds per hole? If you drill a lot of holes, then maybe. It is up to you, but just consider that what the xtra $$$ will do for you.

Good Luck!

[hanson]

Corey is right, I love that auger!

Actually, my dad expressed interest in the auger last winter and decided that was the one he wanted. It worked flawlessly all last winter.

It started and ran very well in temperatures down to -10 or so.

A lot of guys have expressed concern about the plastic auger flighting but I don't think there is anything to worry about. The auger shaft is steel and goes all the way down to the cutting head. Just remember to keep your blades sharp and you should have no problem. Most guys have auger problems when they have dull blades and fail to recognize it. They put more and more weight and pressure on the auger to cut and that is when things break.

I think you'll really like the auger.

Not mixing oil and having no exhaust smell and smoke is a real benefit!

[hanson]

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He also bought the 4 stroke last winter, but he has had a problem with it leaking oil. I would like to hear if anyone has had any problems with this machine, he is wondering if he got a bad one or if this a common thing.

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Where is it leaking oil out of?

The auger is designed to be set down a specific way, crankshaft down/cylinder up. This lets the oil collect in the crankshaft. I'm guessing that your buddy is probably not setting the auger down the right way and the oil is finding a way to get out.

[Tony Holland]

I love my 4 stroke. Quiet, no mixing of oil and cuts very fast. Love the looks you get from others wondering what type of auger you are using.

I talked with Strikemaster last year and they said you could lay the auger down on 3 of the 4 sides. Just do not set the auger down on the opposite of the side they tell you to set it. Hope that makes sense.

[waxworm]

Thanks to everyone who responded your information has been very helpful, I guess a couple more questions I have have about the StrikeMasters is... is there a noticable difference between the four blades of the Lazer 224 and the two serrated blades of the Lazer Mag Express? Why would a company have such a wide variation in blade structures? You'd think they'd find the one that works the best and stick with it.

[HarryG]

I think the company is trying to find a different auger to meet the needs of the fishermen that did not yet buy the other augers they have available. The 224 is a good idea but unless you need to drill holes that overlap, I can't see the additional expense. It is a good idea but the LM is all I need.

[Corey Bechtold]

waxworm, just be sure to get what you actually need. The 224 is a great auger but if you need to save a couple bucks than the Lazer is still a great way to go.

Good fishing,

Corey Bechtold

[LODFFB]

Has anyone put a 9" or 10" blade/auger on the 4-stroke Strike LITE would it have the power and hold up?

[Jim Hudson]

LOD

The bits are all interchangeable from StrikeMaster. Also, can put the StrikeLite bit onto a Lazer powerhead as well. But, to date, they do not sell these bits alone, just as a combo with the units.

After trying out a StrikeLite last season a few times, I will be running one all of this season. Another great unit and innovation in the auger market from StrikeMaster!!

[iffwalleyes]

I believe there was some redesign talk last winter for the motors at the end of the last season? I thought they were talking about putting a somewhat larger motor on the unit or something like that. Am I remembering correctly or not. If I am does anyone know if they did it or not.

[wall_guy_101]

In my opinion the strikemaster lazer is the way to go. I've heard not such great things about the 4-stroke. Plus from what i've seen of them they look like they'd shatter if you dropped them from a foot off of the ice. Spendy as heck too. Go with the lazer and you won't be dissapointed.

[hanson]

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I've heard not such great things about the 4-stroke.

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Could you elaborate please?

I can go back through this topic had find a handful of people who have great things to say about the auger, myself included. I'd like to know what others are finding wrong with them.

You are correct though on the Strikemaster Lazer. I have an Express that I've had for 5 years now and it is been bulletproof for me.

[waxworm]

Thanks to everyone who replied. I have decided to get get a Lazer Mag Xpress because of all the positive feedback, and because of the mixed feedback on the 4 stroke. Seems like the Xpress will be a solid machine for years to come, and hey, its $130 less than the Strike-Lite. Thanks again.

- Matt

[trapperdirk]

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I've heard not such great things about the 4-stroke.

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Could you elaborate please?

I can go back through this topic had find a handful of people who have great things to say about the auger, myself included. I'd like to know what others are finding wrong with them.

You are correct though on the Strikemaster Lazer. I have an Express that I've had for 5 years now and it is been bulletproof for me.

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I'm kind of interested to hear any negatives on this auger too because it's my next tester but it will be next year or the year after . I've heard things like they have concerns about the flight just by looking at them related to preference but have yet to hear anything bad from those who have actually ran this auger . The first thing I've read is the oil leaking and it draws my attention but that is the real first real negative because this auger is so new very few own it or even had the opportunity to actually use it .If you know of others with real issues that bought Strike Lites please do foward the links and let us all in on them and whats going on .And I'm not into hearing well the fight looks like it won't take the pounding . Lots of bulletproof stuff out there that isn't steel even though I like steel . LOL

TD

[stmichael]

If I can get a friends auger to take a picture of it I will show you a flight that has a broken piece to it, now, if I would have taken the picture prior I would not be having this conversation. I do not know when I can get it. This broke being inside his fish house (frabil flip over style with the 3 seats)whether it happened being towed across the lake or to the lake I do not know.

[Hoffer]

Well....went and picked up the Strikemaster lazermag tonight. The 9 inch model. I havent taken it out of the box yet..cause as soon as I made the purchase - I was still wondering if I should have gone with the 4 stroke. The difference is about 130.00 - but over the course of a few years that isnt much...I also thought I could buy the marcum Lx i depthfinder for 110.00 and have that too for what I would have paid for just the 4 stroke...but if anyone else wants to pipe in regarding the 4 stroke and why i should go with that....feel free!

[HarryG]

The 4 stroke seems like a great auger, but in the end, the hole is the same. I think you made a good decision. Putting the extra money towards the flasher would be a smart move. It is a hard decision as there is a lot of good stuff out there.

[Hoffer]

yes, I have to admit though - that i always suffer from a bit of buyers remorse...I am sure either model will be great - i was just hoping to hear more feedback from folks who have used the 4 stroke...but I think that since it is so new not many have picked one up yet...plus we havent had the ice this year yet to try one out.

[Tony Holland]

Love my 4 stroke. Awesome auger.

[dmengel]

I bought a Strike Lite last year & it starts & runs great. My only complaint is that on one trip to red it would not cut thru the ice. It would cut good until I would pull it back to clean the hole & then when I wouuld try to cut more it would not finish the hole. It only seemed to do this on about every 4th or 5th hole I drilled. One thing I can tell you is that the handles & the auger can take a beating because it did not get treated to well after it did this to me a few times I called Strike Master & they said to bring it up & they would look at it but I have not gotten around to that yet.